Significance of Pastime
In Vaishnavism, Pastime signifies the enjoyable activities and divine plays of Shri Krishna, highlighting the connection between the divine and devotees. These activities, often joyful and significant, include playful interactions, music, and events that express Krishna's nature and relationship with His followers. Pastimes are described as eternal leelas that serve to engage and attract devotees, illustrating the playful, transcendent essence of the divine. Overall, Pastime emphasizes the spiritual and recreational dimensions of Krishna's interactions.
Synonyms: Diversion, Recreation, Entertainment, Amusement, Pursuit, Occupation
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Pastime'
In Hinduism, "Pastime" encompasses joyful and divine activities, especially those of Lord Krishna, reflecting love, playfulness, and spiritual significance, engaging both devotees and demigods in transcendent interactions beyond human perception.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Activities or games played by divine figures, which serve a purpose in the spiritual development of living entities.[1] (2) Refers to the divine activities performed by Krishna, as narrated in texts such as the Shrimad Bhagavatam.[2] (3) The activities and events that are part of the narrative surrounding Lord Caitanya's stay, as referred to in the text.[3] (4) A playful activity or sport, associated here with the Lord's nature.[4] (5) The divine activities and lila (pastime) of the Supreme Lord, where he interacts with living entities.[5]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Activities engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, often reflecting leisure and social interaction.[6] (2) The activities and events associated with Krsna and Balarama that are characterized by joy and divine playfulness.[7] (3) The activities or divine lila of Him, which illustrate His playful and transcendent nature.[8] (4) Refers to the playful and divine activities performed by Krishna and Balarama.[9] (5) the playful and divine activities, referred to as 'lila'[10]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Pastimes refer to the activities and divine pastimes of the Lord that showcase His traits and engage His devotees.[11] (2) Activities or events that unfold in a divine or spiritual context, often highlighting the qualities of deities.[12] (3) The various actions and stories associated with the Lord, particularly those that might carry an element of controversy or infamy.[13] (4) Enjoyable activities or events that reflect one's character or status.[14] (5) Refers to the divine activities or leelas performed by the Supreme Being, which serve to engage, attract, and exhibit love towards His devotees.[15]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The divine activities and stories of God that express His nature and relationship with devotees.[16] (2) The divine activities and playful interactions of Shri Radha and Krishna that are central to devotional worship.[17] (3) The various divine activities in which Shri Krishna and Shri Radha engage, often filled with amorous interactions and spiritual significance.[18] (4) The divine activities and stories associated with Shri Krishna that the gopis long to recollect.[19] (5) Activities or leelas of the Supreme Lord that reflect His transcendental nature.[20]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Divine activities performed by Krishna that demonstrate His enchanting nature and relationships.[21] (2) Engaging activities or enjoyable events, particularly those that are related to the expression or experience of love.[22] (3) Engaging activities from the past that brought joy and entertainment.[23] (4) Actions or activities that bring joy and amusement, emphasizing the playful and enjoyable nature of divine interactions.[24] (5) Leisurely activities that lovers engage in, highlighting the joyful and playful aspects of romantic relationships.[25]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Refer to the joyful activities and interactions occurring among Lord Gaura, the boys, the panditas, and others present.[26] (2) Divine activities and interactions performed by the Lord, often experienced by His devotees.[27] (3) The various activities and events associated with Vishvarupa that reflect his character and significance.[28] (4) Describes the various divine activities and playful exploits of Lord Gaura that form the narrative of his early life.[29]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The divine activities and interactions of Krishna, particularly within the context of His relationships with devotees.[30] (2) Stories or events in which divine beings engage, shared by Shrila Gurudeva as teaching methods.[31]